Authorities search for missing pregnant woman

January 2, 2014

Officials launched a search for Melissa Rene Sowders, who was reported missing after she was last seen the day after Christmas. Sowders, who is two months pregnant, reportedly told friends she was going to the restaurant to meet her estranged husband and youngest daughter.

Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

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John Jordan Assistant District Attorney speaks to the media after the first court appearance of Matthew Sowders who is charged with capital murder at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.

John Jordan Assistant District Attorney speaks to the media after the first court appearance of Matthew Sowders who is charged with capital murder at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, in Houston.